Plain Language Summary
# ASSIST Act Summary The **ASSIST Act** (Advancing Student Services In Schools Today Act) is a bill designed to expand mental health and substance abuse services in schools. If passed, it would increase federal funding for these services by offering a 90% federal matching rate under Medicaid—meaning the federal government would cover most costs when schools use Medicaid dollars to pay for mental health care. The bill also creates a grant program to help schools hire more mental health professionals, including counselors, social workers, and psychologists. **Who it affects:** Students would be the primary beneficiaries, gaining better access to mental health and substance use disorder services at their schools.
Schools and educational institutions would also be affected, as they would receive federal funding to expand these programs. Parents and taxpayers would see federal funds directed toward school-based mental health services. **Current status:** The bill is currently in committee (S 2050), sponsored by Senator Raphael Warnock (D-GA), meaning it has been introduced but has not yet been voted on by the full Senate.
CRS Official Summary
Advancing Student Services In Schools Today Act or the ASSIST ActThis bill establishes programs and requirements to support the provision of mental health and substance use disorder services at schools.Specifically, the bill provides for a 90% Federal Medical Assistance Percentage (i.e., federal matching rate) under Medicaid for services that are furnished by mental health and substance use disorder providers at schools or school-based health centers. Qualifying services include those provided by school counselors, social workers, and psychologists. The bill also establishes a grant program to increase the number of mental health and substance use disorder providers at schools, colleges, and other educational institutions.
Latest Action
Read twice and referred to the Committee on Finance.